The Best Fried Wontons Recipe – Quick & Easy!
Golden, crispy, and bursting with flavor, these fried wontons are the perfect bite-sized indulgence for any occasion. With a savory pork filling wrapped in delicate wonton skins and fried to perfection, they deliver an irresistible crunch that will have your guests reaching for more.
What sets these wontons apart is their versatility. Whether folded into classic shapes or fried to a flawless golden hue, they pair beautifully with a variety of dipping sauces. From sweet apricot to bold honey sriracha, each sauce brings a unique twist to every bite, making them a hit at any gathering.
Perfect for parties, game nights, or a delicious homemade treat, these fried wontons are as fun to make as they are to eat. Serve them fresh and hot, and watch them disappear faster than you can fry the next batch!
Fried Wontons: Ingredients That Bring Crunch and Flavor
Ground Pork – The heart of the filling, delivering a rich, savory bite with a satisfying tenderness.
Scallions – A pop of freshness that balances the deep, meaty flavors with a hint of mild oniony sharpness.
Sesame Oil – A fragrant touch that infuses the filling with its signature nutty aroma and depth.
Soy Sauce – The backbone of umami, enhancing every bite with a bold, savory complexity.
Shaoxing Wine – A traditional touch that deepens the flavor with subtle notes of warmth and sweetness.
Wonton Skins – Delicate yet crisp when fried, creating the perfect golden shell for the juicy filling inside.
Fried Wontons: Tips, Serving Ideas & FAQs
Golden, crispy, and irresistibly delicious, fried wontons are the perfect appetizer for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them at a party or enjoying them as a snack, these crunchy bites are sure to impress. Below, you’ll find expert tips to perfect your wontons, serving suggestions to enhance your meal, and answers to frequently asked questions about this recipe.
Recipe Tips
1. Achieving the Perfect Crunch
The secret to perfectly crispy wontons lies in the oil temperature. Ensure your oil is heated to 350°F (175°C) before frying. If the oil is too cool, the wontons will absorb excess oil and turn greasy; if it’s too hot, they’ll brown too quickly without fully cooking inside. A kitchen thermometer is a great tool to maintain the ideal frying temperature.
2. Preventing Wontons from Bursting
Overstuffing is a common mistake that can cause wontons to burst open while frying. Stick to about a teaspoon of filling per wonton. Additionally, make sure to seal the edges properly with a dab of water and press firmly to avoid leaks. If you’re making them in advance, keeping them covered with a damp towel before frying helps prevent the wrappers from drying out.
3. Freezing for Convenience
Fried wontons are excellent for meal prep! You can freeze uncooked wontons on a tray in a single layer until firm, then transfer them to a zip-top bag for long-term storage. When ready to fry, cook them straight from the freezer—no need to thaw. Just add an extra minute or two to the frying time.
What to Serve with Fried Wontons
1. Asian-Inspired Dipping Sauces
Dipping sauces take these crispy bites to the next level. The recipe includes three options: sweet apricot for a fruity contrast, honey sriracha for a spicy kick, and sweet soy for a deep umami flavor. You can also try a classic chili-garlic sauce or a creamy peanut dip for variety.
2. Light & Refreshing Sides
Since fried wontons are rich and crispy, pairing them with a light side helps balance the meal. A simple cucumber salad with a rice vinegar dressing, a bowl of miso soup, or a crunchy Asian slaw with sesame dressing can complement the flavors while adding freshness.
3. Served as Part of a Dim Sum Feast
For a complete dim sum experience, serve these wontons alongside dumplings, spring rolls, and steamed buns. Pair with jasmine tea or a chilled glass of sake for an authentic and satisfying spread.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I use a different protein for the filling?
Yes! While ground pork is traditional, you can substitute it with ground chicken, shrimp, or a mix of mushrooms and tofu for a vegetarian option. Adjust seasonings as needed to match the protein of choice.
2. Can I bake or air-fry these wontons instead of deep frying?
Absolutely! To bake, place wontons on a greased baking sheet and brush them lightly with oil. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway. For air frying, cook at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket occasionally.
3. How do I keep fried wontons crispy for longer?
To maintain their crispiness, place fried wontons on a wire rack instead of paper towels to drain excess oil. If making them ahead, reheat in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes before serving.
4. Can I make the filling ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the filling up to a day in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This helps the flavors meld and makes assembling the wontons quicker when you’re ready to cook.
With these expert tips, serving ideas, and helpful FAQs, you’re all set to make the perfect batch of fried wontons. Enjoy them fresh, crispy, and with your favorite dipping sauce!
Fried Wontons
Ingredients
- For the Wontons:
- 40-50 wonton wrappers medium thickness
- 12 oz. 340g ground pork
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped scallions
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon shaoxing wine or dry sherry
- 1 tablespoon peanut or canola oil
- 2 tablespoons water plus additional for sealing
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1/8 teaspoon white pepper
- For the Sweet Apricot Dipping Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons apricot jam
- 1/2 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon rice wine vinegar
- For the Honey Sriracha Dipping Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons Sriracha
- For the Sweet Soy Dipping Sauce:
- 1 ½ tablespoons light soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sugar dissolved in 1 tablespoon hot water
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds optional
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ground pork, scallions, soy sauce, shaoxing wine, peanut or canola oil, sesame oil, water, sugar, and white pepper. Blend the mixture vigorously by hand for five minutes or pulse in a food processor for approximately one minute until it reaches a cohesive, paste-like consistency.
- Assemble the Wontons:
- Take a single wonton wrapper and place approximately one teaspoon of the prepared filling in the center. Avoid overfilling, as this may cause the wontons to burst during frying. Moisten the edges of the wrapper lightly with water to ensure a secure seal.
- Shape Option 1: Fold the wrapper into a rectangular shape, pressing the edges firmly to seal. Bring the two bottom corners together and press to adhere.
- Shape Option 2: Fold the wrapper diagonally to create a triangle, then bring the two outer corners together and press firmly to seal.
- Continue this process until all the filling has been used. Arrange the assembled wontons on a parchment-lined tray to prevent sticking.
- Storage Option:
- If not frying immediately, cover the wontons with plastic wrap and place them in the freezer. Once frozen solid, transfer them into airtight freezer bags for storage. Frozen wontons can be fried directly from the freezer when needed.
- Frying the Wontons:
- In a deep, heavy-bottomed pot, heat 2 to 3 inches of oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry the wontons in small batches, ensuring they have enough space to cook evenly. Turn them occasionally for uniform browning, or use a slotted spoon to keep them submerged for an even golden hue. Once crisp and golden brown, transfer the fried wontons to a cooling rack or a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Prepare the Dipping Sauces:
- For each sauce, combine the respective ingredients in a small bowl and stir until well blended. Serve alongside the freshly fried wontons for dipping.
Notes
Nutritional information accounts for wontons only, excluding dipping sauces.
